Update: Sooria and Laxmanan bag gold medals in 5,000 meters race
Mangaluru: With a rich colorful procession showcasing the cultural tradition of Karnataka, troupes from various parts of the state, the 19th Federation cup senior athletic championship got off to a colorful and grand start here on Thursday.
The event was inaugurated by releasing a multitude of balloons in the air by the dignitaries on the dais. In the absence of Cheif minister who was sheduled to inaugurate the event, Tourism minister R V Deshpande did the needful. Chief minister yesterday met with PM Modi on the Mekedatu dam project. Deshpande speaking after the inaugural said adventure sports activities will be started in coastal area and the state government has developed guidelines in this regard.
Special guest of honour, on the occasion Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty asked athletes to play sportively and “stay away from doping”. Instead he said, athletes must practice a lot and be true sports persons. He also said that the event is historical and I am proud to be a Mangalorean.
G Parameshwar president of State Athletics Association requested that all observe a one minute silence for the victims of Nepal tragedy, which the entire audience did with utmost soldiarity. Speaking on the occasion he said the federation cup is being organised in Karnataka for the first time. The reason for choosing Mangalore was, because Dakshina Kannada has gifted hundreds of athletes who have represented nation at the International level. He also said that the federation cup will be a selection trial for Asian atheletic championship and World championship. The state government has been encouraging athletes and in this regard Karnataka Athletics Awards (KAA) have been instituted for those athletes representing their state and nation at national and international tournaments.
U T Khader, speaking on the occasion, said that the event organised here for the first time, has made Dakshina Kannada proud. “Winning and losing is common, just play the game sportively”, was his clarion call to athletes. He also said that an Injury unit exclusively for sports will be started.
Adill J Sumeriwala president of Athletic Federation Of India assured support to sports in India and appreciated central government for increasing budget of sports training from 11 crores to 19.5 crore.
Sports minister Abhaychandra Jain said the sports department has spent 11 crores to promote athletes. I am blessed to organise this event during my tenure as sports minister and I appreciateDr Mohan Alva for rendering great service by encouraging sports by training 700 students for the inaugural ceremony.
Sahana Kumari, national record holder (1.94 in high jump) took oath on behalf of athletes and lead the Karnataka team.
District incharge minister Ramanath Rai, health minister U T Khadar, urban development mnister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA J R Lobo, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, MLC Ivan D’Souza, mayor Jacintha Alfred, Manjunath Bhandary, S Venkatesh, director, youth empowerment and sports department, Bengaluru, and others were present. Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim welcomed.
Senior journalist Manohar Prasad compered the inaugural ceremony.
In the cultural programme, India’s Got Talent fame Prince team and Alva’s folk teams performed various forms of dances from Yakashagana to folk dances depicting the culture of the state and the region. It was an exhilarating show as the pictures show.
